SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Broadleaf

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Broadleaf to a garden.

Fragrant and velvety, Broadleaf Sage fills the garden with a deep, herbaceous aroma and delivers broad, softly quilted leaves that feel substantial in the hand.

Its flavor is rich and savory with a gentle, cool edge—ideal for crafting bold herb blends and signature sauces, or for drying to capture its character for later use. Grow Broadleaf for a dependable, long-season harvest that turns beds and borders into a fragrant living tapestry.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Broadleaf

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Broadleaf Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a Apr 13th Jul 20th Sep 28th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Apr 3rd Jul 10th Sep 18th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Apr 3rd Jul 10th Sep 18th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Apr 7th Jul 14th Sep 22nd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Apr 3rd Jul 10th Sep 18th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Apr 1st Jul 8th Sep 16th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Mar 27th Jul 3rd Sep 11th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Mar 23rd Jun 29th Sep 7th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Mar 20th Jun 26th Sep 4th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Mar 14th Jun 20th Aug 29th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Mar 9th Jun 15th Aug 24th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Feb 27th Jun 5th Aug 14th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Feb 18th May 27th Aug 5th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Feb 9th May 18th Jul 27th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Jan 23rd May 1st Jul 10th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Dec 29th Apr 6th Jun 15th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)7

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

Broadleaf sage has that substantial, velvety leaf feel and a savory bite that shows up even when the heat is mild—great for quick infusions and fast crisping. It’s built for brown-butter work and creamy pork pasta where its cool, earthy edge cuts through fat without tasting thin or wiry.

Best Uses

  • pan-frying for sage brown-butter (crisps the edges fast without turning bitter)
  • quick-chop into pork or sausage mixes
  • slow simmering into creamy sauces for pasta and gnocchi
  • drying and rehydrating for winter braises

Flavor Profile

rich savory sage taste velvety, almost slightly mint-cool finish toasty, earthy aroma when heated soft-leaf texture that stays herbaceous but won’t get twiggy quickly

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter pork lemon garlic parmesan butternut squash

Frequently Asked Questions


Why are my broadleaf leaves developing white, powdery patches and curling—what’s the fix?
Powdery mildew is common on broadleaf when days are warm and nights are cool, especially with poor airflow. Remove the most affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and water at the soil line; then apply a label-approved fungicide or insecticidal soap only if the label allows it for powdery mildew and follow the recommended reapplication interval. Space plants to improve airflow and keep foliage dry as much as possible.
How often should I water broadleaf during the main growth phase (to day ~70)?
Water so the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings, then soak deeply to encourage roots—typically every 2–4 days depending on heat and soil texture. Use a moisture check: if the soil is cool and damp at 1–2 inches, wait; if it feels dry and crumbly, water. Keep moisture steady—alternating drought and heavy soaking can stunt growth and worsen leaf issues.
How can I tell when broadleaf is ready to harvest at around 70 days?
Harvest when plants reach full size and the lower leaves are fully expanded but not prematurely yellowing, with leaf color looking consistent and healthy. If you’re growing broadleaf for tender leaves, pick the outer leaves first when they’re thick and flexible; for larger mature leaves, wait until the leaves hold their shape and have the expected size for your variety. Avoid harvesting after leaves begin to look tough or overly pale, as quality drops quickly.